govern
verb (used with object)
to rule over by right of authority.
has governed
-
present perfectof govern (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Because cicada surges are not well-studied in dense tropical urban settings, no single agency had an off-the-shelf solution,” said Choo, a member of the People’s Action Party that has governed Singapore since 1959.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 30, 2026
Another potential wrinkle is that some young people say they like Takaichi but are less enthusiastic about the LDP, which has governed Japan for most of its postwar history.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 7, 2026
The LDP has governed Japan almost uninterrupted for decades, albeit with frequent leader changes.
From Barron's ● Jan. 23, 2026
Ishiba's centre-right party has governed Japan almost continuously since 1955, albeit with frequent changes of leader.
From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2025
If common sense has governed our proceedings to date, the new house we are building, or the ready-built one we have chosen, will have full advantage of the one perfect light—that afforded by the sun.
From The Complete Home by Clara E. (Clara Elizabeth) Laughlin
